NIDA is an esteemed institution in the Australian performing arts landscape.
Acting graduate Baz Luhrmann and design graduate Catherine Martin first met at NIDA and it was here they devised and worked on their first collaboration, the seminal Australian production, Strictly Ballroom.
While other celebrated alumni include Cate Blanchett, Sarah Snook, and Joel Jackson, NIDA’s offering of fourteen creative discipline courses means that alumni are known for more than solely acting.
Success stories include the likes of design graduate Deborah Riley, who is the current production designer of much-loved international sensation, Game of Thrones. Recent technical theatre and stage management graduate Sally Withnell is currently the production manager at Sydney’s Belvoir St Theatre, and directing graduate Kip Williams is the co-resident director at Sydney Theatre Company.
‘At the heart of NIDA’s success is our emphasis on balancing academic and practical study,’ said NIDA Director of Education,’ Dr Melissa Laird.‘Whilst all our students receive a strong theoretical grounding for their area of study, we also make sure they have many opportunities to put that knowledge into practice. NIDA students have the chance to work on full-scale theatre works, musical productions and film projects as well as take part in international placements and field trips.’
The choice is yours
Due to the reputation of the institution and the high calibre of graduates who go on to have successful careers in the dramatic arts, prospective students often list NIDA as their first choice.
You may have your eyes set on NIDA, but how do you approach choosing the right course for you?
To help prospective students make the right decision, NIDA is hosting its Open Day this May. From 11am on Saturday 14 May, NIDA will open its doors to the public, giving people a chance to find out more about everything NIDA has to offer.
‘The day will include, talks and discussion panels from NIDA’s teaching staff, students and alumni, demonstrations by NIDA students, behind-the-scenes tours, a peek into the props and staging workshops, and a revealing look at what goes into creating NIDA’s spectacular costumes,’ said Dr Laird.
Potential students will get a taste of what it is like to attend the school, meet current staff and students and learn more about the careers available in the dramatic arts.
Those interested in post-graduate studies are also invited along to find out more about what’s on offer.
‘Last year we officially opened the NIDA Graduate School, a purpose-built multi-disciplinary space that houses our growing suite of Master of Fine Arts courses. These include the Master of Fine Arts in Cultural Leadership, Design for Performance and Voice, joining the already popular Directing, and Writing for Performance courses,’ commented Dr Laird.
‘We encourage everyone who is interested in a career in the creative industries to attend our Open Day and find out how studying at NIDA can help them achieve their dreams. As well as honing their craft and gaining valuable industry experience and contacts, NIDA students graduate with many skills that can be applied to any career and aspect of life, including collaboration, confidence, creative expression, persistence, communications skills and a great work ethic.
‘A career in the creative industries is not easy: it requires dedication, commitment and a myriad of other skills that NIDA students acquire throughout their training.’
Find the full NIDA 2016 Open Day schedule and register to attend at apply.nida.edu.au.
2017 applications for NIDA’s Masters, Bachelor and Vocational Diploma courses open 1 July – 30 September.
